Village Vanguard

The Village Vanguard opened in 1935, founded by Max Gordon, and has been run by the same family for nearly 90 years. Initially featuring folk music and poetry, it pivoted exclusively to jazz in 1957. The club has hosted virtually every major jazz artist, from John Coltrane and Bill Evans to Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis, with many legendary live albums recorded on its stage. The intimate 123-seat room features a distinctive triangular layout with low ceilings and exceptional acoustics that create an unparalleled listening experience. The Vanguard operates as a serious listening room with a strict no-talking policy during performances, drawing dedicated jazz enthusiasts and musicians from around the world. The venue's red-checkered tablecloths and dim lighting have remained unchanged for decades, preserving its authentic atmosphere. Today, the club remains a hallowed listening room where silence is strictly enforced during performances to honor the music. The subterranean space is famous for its unique triangular layout and red-velvet-lined walls, which contribute to its world-class natural acoustics. The crowd is a mix of global jazz pilgrims and local aficionados who come to see the highest caliber of established international artists.